LOCAL ACTION GROUPS AS A DETERMINANT OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article aims to assess the activities of Local Action Groups (LAGs) in the region of Lublin. The research hypothesis, that territorial partnerships are an important factor in local development, LAG support is seen by local communities through the implementation of grant projects to support the well-being of residents, was verified with the use of research questions. 114 members of LAGs located in the area of Lublin took part in the study, which was based on a research questionnaire prepared by the author of the paper, and 238 participants in the projects implemented by the LAGs took part in direct interviews. The research was conducted in the period from August to September 2019. The descriptive statistics of the STATISTICA 13.1 PL software were used to process the obtained results. Based on the outcomes of the research, the most important motives for joining the partnership were social reasons – the need to act for the benefit of the local community, and reasons of an egoistic nature – the need to introduce changes in the environment that would help self-development, or the willingness to form beneficial relationships. It was also the curiosity about the new form of cooperation. The research participants also ranked the main goals of the LAGs, as well as the categories of projects that should be supported. Among their expectations, the participants in the interviews mentioned: supporting and developing non-agricultural activities, actions to reduce unemployment and supporting the establishment of international cooperation.